Clerks & Graduates
There is an evident teaching culture and learning mindset
A perfect mix of formal training and practical experience, your clerkship journey will be second-to-none. Our talented and respected legal professionals, many of whom are highly regarded in their areas of expertise, are just waiting to empower you with their knowledge. From the outset of your clerkship, you will have the opportunity to see them in action and learn on-the-job by being exposed to real work. You will gain valuable insight into the workings of a corporate law firm and the legal industry as a whole.
We want to engage with a broad range of minds with a broad range of backgrounds, all united by a common set of strengths. We encourage submissions from penultimate and final year students.
Our program offers ongoing mentorship and support, helping you to grow and develop as a legal professional. As a clerk, you will become part of an enthusiastic team who are committed to excellence. The dynamic, positive working environment encourages our clerks to develop and enrich their skills through structured training. We share information, knowledge and good practice, and promote the development of others because we want you to become a technically excellent lawyer at the start of your career.
There will be a limited number of ad hoc clerkship and GDLP placements offered throughout the year.
We respect individuality. We want to get to know you.
A clear and concise introduction letter should highlight your skill set as well as your interests and provide us with an insight into you.
Outline in your curriculum vitae relevant work experience, volunteer work, your degrees and whether they are held or being completed. Show your individuality by detailing any languages you speak or extra-curricular activities you participate in.
Also, submit your academic transcripts and attach relevant supporting documents such as a visa or certification of a degree.
Before you commence, really think about what your key skills, achievement and experiences are.
Make a list and keep referring back to it. Your submission shouldn’t be a 3 page essay on how fabulous you are but you should make sure that you tell us what your strengths are.
There are a variety of law firms and we’re all looking for different things from our clerks. Refer to our website to ensure that our areas of law align with those you aspire to practice in.
We strive to support you both professionally and personally.
We support a work/life balance and encourage participation in our extensive health and wellbeing program. Our social fabric is strong – we have fun and celebrate our successes, no matter how big or small.
You will interact with the rest of the firm from the moment you join us.
Our clerks also form a tight-knit peer group to bounce their ideas and thoughts between.
What our previous and current clerks have to say …
“During my time at Finlaysons, I have learnt so much about the legal profession, particularly in civil litigation and insurance. I have had the opportunity to engage in a variety of work in the company and have had the chance to practice my application of what I have learned at university to real-life legal issues. The clerking experience at Finlaysons has allowed me to begin to determine where my interests lie and although it is sometimes challenging, the chance to gain practical experience has been invaluable. I would highly recommend the clerkship program at Finlaysons to any law student that is looking for practical experience.”
– Dana Paitaridis, current Lawyer and 2021/2022 Law Clerk
“My experience as a clerk at Finlaysons has been extremely rewarding. On day one I was assigned a ‘buddy’ and ‘coach’ who have guided me and allowed me to ask questions whenever I need. Further, I have had some incredible opportunities to be involved in large and legally complex matters. These experiences have led me to developing a range of practical legal skills such as drafting letters, analysing evidence and reviewing policies, to name just some examples. I would highly recommend the Finlaysons’ Clerkship program to any student aspiring to enter the legal profession.”
– Kate Holland-Smith, current Lawyer, and 2021/2022 Law Clerk
“Finlaysons promotes excellent firm culture through the support of an active social club and by providing many opportunities for clerks to socialise with colleagues. The practitioners from a junior to senior level are incredibly approachable and are always willing to share their wealth of knowledge with clerks, creating many valuable learning experiences over the course of the Clerkship program. I would highly recommend Finlaysons Clerkship program to anyone contemplating it, it is an unparalleled experience that you cannot match with University studies alone.”
– Bryce Gassner, current Lawyer, and 2021/2022 Law Clerk
“Perhaps my favourite part of working at Finlaysons is the learning opportunities which stem from a firmly ingrained “open door” culture whereby clerks are easily able to approach senior practitioners for assistance with tasks, or broader issues in general. Further to this, Finlaysons also implements an effective “buddy” and “coach” system as part of its program to ensure clerks are never left wanting for help should they need it. I could not recommend this program more highly.”
– Michael Rydon, current Senior Associate and 2018/2019 Law Clerk
“The opportunities that I have been given at Finlaysons have been, and continue to be, invaluable. Within the very first month of my clerkship, I was assigned to a trial, where I was provided with a significant amount of hands-on experience and exposure to civil litigation within South Australia. I assist a number of partners and senior practitioners with interesting and legally complex matters on a daily basis and I continue to look forward to a new challenge each day. I thoroughly recommend the Finlaysons Clerkship to any law student that is looking for a truly unique experience.”
– Steven Ellis, current Senior Associate and 2018/2019 Law Clerk
“The Finlaysons Clerkship program is an excellent opportunity to learn and be part of an inclusive firm culture. It is an opportunity I have found to be extremely rewarding due to the willingness of all practitioners to assist with tasks and share their knowledge. On my first day I was paired with both a ‘buddy’ and a ‘coach’ who have provided me with ongoing feedback and guidance. I am exposed to new learning opportunities every day and could not recommend this opportunity more.”
– Tessa McVann2023/2024 Law Clerk
“I have been fortunate enough to receive exposure to a variety of areas of commercial law, including property, energy and corporate law during the last year here at Finlaysons. I have worked under the supervision of lawyers who have a wealth of knowledge and expertise in their field and who have provided me with guidance – whilst also challenging me. There is a warm and friendly culture at Finlaysons and I have enjoyed attending a series of Social Club events. I highly recommend Finlaysons to any law student or graduate who is seeking a role with a firm that has an excellent culture as well as challenging yet interesting work.”
– Scarlett Davis 2022/2023 Law Clerk